Category Archives: Entrepreneurship

As an entrepreneur and teacher, I believe that it is important that I continue to grow and sharpen myself. Each quarter, I share a new book with my marketing students to read and ponder. These books often are about marketing and business. However, sometimes we study books that motivate us. Recently, we studied The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. In today’s post, I’ll share my review of this book and some of the biggest reasons why people either succeed or fail in business.

About a month ago, I had a quick telephone call with a prospective marketing student. On the other end of the line stood a sharp entrepreneur asking me some tough questions about our training program. After a few minutes, she asked me one of the best questions I’d ever received. “Matt, what are the character traits of the entrepreneurs who don’t succeed?” The question really got me thinking. Frankly, I can’t remember what I told her, but the question stayed with me. Last week, I took out a pad of paper and thought of about seven marketing clients who were terrible business owners. I added several more of my student quitters to this list. I then realized that almost all of them fit into one of three categories. In today’s post, I’ll share these three personalities and why some people will never be successful in business.

It started out with exhaustion. Did I forget to take my medicine this morning? I couldn’t remember. Something wasn’t right as I just wasn’t feeling myself. By 11am, we arrived at my Mom’s house with kids in tow. My stomach was turning and I started to sweat. Oh no! Am I getting sick? I made a quick dash for the bathroom. Thank God, nothing came up. I shared the news while family members reached for the hand sanitizer. I would soon be lying down on my home’s bathroom floor, waiting for the next return of undigested food. It was Christmas day and I had the stomach bug. Nooooo!!!!

For most entrepreneurs, there’s dozens of moving parts in their business. From technology to communication, there’s a never ending to-do list. It only gets crazier when you add staff members. However, entrepreneurs fight on as their ultimate goal is to make it! Besides business, we have lives too. There’s kids, sports, and family emergencies. Unfortunately, as businesses grow, it only gets more complicated and busy. There’s even more pressure to perform and get things done. Entrepreneurs who started a business as a path to freedom, now find themselves trapped with too much work. In most cases, I find that the entrepreneur jeopardizes their health, family, or relationships for the success of the business. Not good! Sometimes the pressure gets to be so great, they give up all together and go back to having a JOB. In today’s post, I’ll answer the biggest secret I’ve learned to being successful as an entrepreneur. The secret might shock you, but it is a principle that Sarah and I try to live by.

For most people with kids, summer can be a bit of a crazy time. Say hello to the Law family, where the word summer itself is defined as one wild ride. The problem of course is that our kids are out of school. So what do you do? Can you say VBS? AKA Vacation Bible School. Our summer started with a couple weeks of VBS for the kids. Summer is also a time to go on vacation! My vacation consisted of a short cruise to Cozumel Mexico with my wife and two daughters. Let me just say that we had a blast and my girls are now cruise fans! Summertime also means that it is easier for others to come and see you. Our summer enjoyed many family and friends visiting us in Florida. July 14th and 15th was our first annual FSMC Summer event. The following weeks were frequented by my brother’s family from Maryland. And just like that, summer was over. Poof! Or was it? In today’s post I’ll share the biggest blessing of summer break – reflecting, rethinking, and refreshing!

There’s nothing worse in life than someone who stops growing. They finish their childhood education and remain stagnant like an old bucket of water. They drift through life and often perceive themselves as victims of their circumstances. Truly, it is a sad situation when people give up on their lives and dreams. On the other hand, there’s nothing I love more than seeing the underdog make it and win. The underdog is unassuming and definitely wasn’t picked the “most likely to succeed” by his classmates. Yet inside of him is the entrepreneurial spirit that refuses to quit. He keeps growing and learning and never gives up! In today’s post I’ll share why growth is the secret to success for every entrepreneur and business leader.

Last night, I left the office at 10:15 pm. It was a long thirteen hour workday. This morning I’m sitting on my couch and I’m realizing that I didn’t get enough sleep. If you looked at my schedule yesterday, you’d probably label me a crazy workaholic. Next week, the demands on my schedule will be even worse. I’ll probably work until midnight on Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for our May training class. It will likely be a 60+ hour week for me. I’ll miss dinner at least twice and Sarah will have to tuck the kids in bed. Because of business responsibilities, I’ll also miss a family trip to Vero Beach. It might sound crazy, but I’m not even upset about it. In today’s post, I’ll share one of the best kept secrets of entrepreneurship.

Welcome to chaos! Entrepreneurship breeds it. The chaos is caused for one simple reason alone. The entrepreneur doesn’t know what he’s doing, at least not yet. When I started LMS Internet back in 2008, the truth is, I had no idea what I was doing. Even though I was generating revenues and a profit, there was huge chaos. I didn’t know how to track developers, communicate with clients effectively, or manage projects. In those brief moments that our new born baby was sleeping, Sarah would try to help me. The problem was that she didn’t know how to help because I didn’t know what I was doing. In today’s post, I’ll share about systems and how entrepreneurs can conquer the chaos.

I’ve always shared that when you love your work, you’ll never feel like you’re working. It might sound crazy to some people, but I’m actually a little sad on most Thursdays. Why? Because Thursday night is when I’m winding down my work week. With entrepreneurship, there are always more things you’ll want to do than you’ll have time. While I love being with my family, I love it when I’m able to work as well. Unfortunately, most people are trapped with their jobs and businesses. In today’s post, I’ll share how to take back your schedule, build flexibility, and enjoy the things that really matter.

Yes, it is impressive. Sometimes, I get a little teary eyed thinking about how far we’ve come. If I let my mind wander through all the valleys on this journey, I really get choked up. My wife and I know all to well that it has never been easy. The stationary entrepreneur will always have it easy, but an entrepreneur who innovates will face struggles. When people tell me they’re impressed with what we’ve built, I tell them “Thank you!” and I sincerely mean it. In today’s post, I’ll share with you my innovational story and why entrepreneurs should push the limits of innovation.